Raising the Flag In Memory Of 9-11

On Monday, September 11, 2006, a large crowd gathered near
the entrance to Eisenhower Medical Center to pay tribute to
those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The
occasion included the raising of a 30-foot by 50-foot American flag on
the highest flagpole in the Coachella Valley, standing 101 feet tall.
The raising of the tallest American flag in the Coachella Valley was the
vision of G. Aubrey Serfling, Eisenhower Medical Center’s Chief
Executive Officer. “I drove by and admired the large flag and tall flagpole
at one of the large car dealerships, and it struck me that the most
appropriate place for the tallest flag to fly in the Coachella Valley was at
Eisenhower Medical Center.” The dedication included a large gathering
of guests including Congresswoman Mary Bono, Assemblyman John
Benoit, Rancho Mirage Mayor Richard Kite and very special guest, United
States Army Captain Monica Whalen who had just returned from a tour
of duty in Iraq.

Before introducing Congresswoman Bono, Foundation President
Michael Landes read the inscription engraved on the brass plaque at
the base of the new flagpole. “Through blurred eyes, we find the
strength and the courage to soar beyond the moment. We look to the
future knowing we can never forget the past. God bless America.”

Bono praised the ongoing work at Eisenhower before reflecting
on her memories of September 11. “I was preparing for work that
morning in Washington and I felt the impact of the plane as it hit
the Pentagon, as I live two blocks away. And while my building
shook, it was as if the soul of our nation was shaken to its very
core. It was at that moment that I knew our world had changed
forever,” said Bono.

“Today, we dedicate one of the most magnificent American flags
in our region,” Bono continued. “I want to thank the team at
Eisenhower Medical Center for bringing us together today to
remember. This flag reminds us of the liberty and opportunity our
nation offers to all who yearn to be free.”

Following a few words from Assemblyman Benoit and the flag
dedication from Mayor Kite, Landes introduced Captain Monica
Whalen, a 2003 graduate of the United States Military Academy, West
Point, and past graduate of Cathedral City High School. “I have the
privilege of serving our country in Iraq where I witness first-hand the
continual support that our country gives to the soldiers in my company,
as well as the many other service members in Iraq,” Whalen shared.
“This support not only encourages and sustains us, but it makes us
remember why we fight…. I am honored and proud every time I see
the flag of this great nation raised for everyone to see.”
Congresswoman Bono, Eisenhower President and Chief Executive
Officer G. Aubrey Serfling, and Captain Whalen then walked to the
flagpole, and raised the flag, for the very first time.